Paramedic Accreditation

The California Emergency Medical Services Authority in Sacramento provides paramedic licensure. To work as a paramedic in the Coastal Valleys region, you must also obtain local accreditation from the agency. Accreditation is required by the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 4, Article 2.

Interim and Initial Paramedic Accreditation

Are you a California-licensed paramedic, and want to work in the Coastal Valleys EMS region? You must obtain local accreditation from the Coastal Valleys EMS Agency (CVEMSA.) These are the steps to follow, and the materials needed, to obtain your paramedic accreditation.

Before starting the accreditation process, you must obtain an offer of employment from one of the regional Advanced Life Support provider agencies. Your provider agency will verify your service affiliation as part of the application process. Without an ALS Provider Agency sponsor, you will be unable to complete the CVEMSA paramedic accreditation process.

Step 1: Review the Coastal Valleys paramedic accreditation policy #2007 in the CVEMSA Administrative Policy Maunual.

Step 2: Begin your application for Paramedic Accreditation by logging into our Online License Management System, and compliting the Paramedic Interim Accreditation application. 

During the LMS application process you will be asked to submit scans or digital photos of your following documents as well as online payment for the $200 accreditation fee:

• California paramedic license
• Government issued ID
• Current CPR certificate

Step 3: Upon successful completion of application requirements and employer verification, you will receive a 90-day interim local accreditation authorization to allow you to complete the reminder of the accreditation requirements. Within 90 days of interim authorization you must complete the following and submit the required documents into LMS:

• Attend the agency Update and Optional Skills Review course, and pass the written protocol exam. (2024 Course Dates)
• Complete your field orientation at local base hospitals and communication centers.
• Complete your pre-accreditation field evaluation, including 5 ALS contacts, with a paramedic preceptor/evaluator assigned by your ALS Provider employing agency.

Step 4: Your preceptor / evaluator will submit your field evaluation including 5 ALS contacts to CVEMSA for review and approval. Once review is done the forms will be returned with signature to preceptor / evalutor who will forward them to you with process instructions. 

Step 5: Complete your application process by logging into our Online License Management System, and filling out the Paramedic Initial Application. These documents are required to complete the process:

• Field orientation sign-off form
• ALS Accreditation Field Evaluation form with copies of the 5 ALS contacts (PCRs) Note: ImageTrend Elite agencies may reference PCRS within the system rather than submitting scans
• Copy of Update and Optional Skills Review course certificate
• Reference Document: Criteria for ALS Contacts

Ongoing Paramedic Accreditation

The California Emergency Medical Services Authority in Sacramento requires you to renew your paramedic license every two years. Paramedics working in the Coastal Valleys EMS region must also renew their accreditation with the agency every two years. These are the steps to follow to maintain your paramedic accreditation: